Cinerary urn with inscription flanked by cornucopias and winged genii supporting festoons 1769 - 1778

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, dated 1769-1778, depicts a cinerary urn adorned with intricate ornamentation. The urn is flanked by cornucopias, symbols of abundance, and winged genii supporting festoons, signifying celebration and immortality. Piranesi, renowned for his architectural engravings and his fascination with ancient Roman ruins, presents a detailed and elegant study of architectural elements. The inscription on the urn, though unreadable in this image, likely commemorates the individual whose ashes were housed within. This artwork, currently housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst, showcases Piranesi's mastery of line and detail, characteristic of his Neoclassical style.